Generation Z – born between 1997 and 2012 – is setting new standards in consumer behavior. Digitally native, value-driven, and with clear expectations about shopping experiences, they are reshaping retail as we know it. For both brick-and-mortar stores and e-commerce platforms, this means adapting quickly to remain relevant and tapping into the rising purchasing power …
Social Commerce is no longer just a trend – it has firmly established itself among the wider consumer base. According to the latest KPMG Consumer Barometer 01/2024, over 70% of respondents have already purchased a product via social commerce channels, while only 13% reject this form of shopping. In times of inflation and restrained spending, …
Online shopping is no longer a linear process. Today, consumers discover products in seconds—not via webshops, but through their social media feeds. A tap on a video, a swipe, and a spontaneous impulse buy. Welcome to the world of Social Commerce, where social media, e-commerce, and artificial intelligence merge into a seamless new shopping experience. …
Online shopping used to feel like an adventure. People clicked through stores with curiosity, discovered unexpected items, and felt inspired. Today, however, digital shopping has become a routine task — efficient, yes, but stripped of emotion. A new study by tech company Criteo confirms this shift: 76% of consumers now describe online shopping as “functional …
Amazon is stepping up its eCommerce strategy in Germany with the launch of a new bargain portal called Haul. This move comes as a direct response to the growing influence of low-cost platforms like Temu and Shein, which are gaining traction among younger consumers across Europe. Initially available to select app users as of June …
In the rapidly evolving world of e-commerce, packaging is no longer just a protective shell for products. It has become a strategic asset that plays a crucial role in brand identity, sustainability efforts, and enhancing customer satisfaction. With online shopping booming and consumer awareness rising, companies must rethink their packaging strategies to stay competitive and …
A new wave of AI startups is reshaping the e-commerce landscape. With the help of generative AI, these emerging companies are delivering tools that go beyond automation — enabling real-time personalization, instant content creation, and data-driven decision-making. The future of e-commerce is smarter, faster, and more customer-centric — and that future begins now. Generative AI: …
E-commerce meets entertainment: In episode 9 of the DIMM podcast “Digital Transformation, Innovation & Marketing,” Prof. Dr. Richard C. Geibel, founder of the E-Commerce Institute in Cologne, joins Prof. Dr. Michael Bernecker to discuss the disruptive rise of commerce via social media. What was once merely a branding tool is now becoming a powerful sales …
Social commerce – the integration of e-commerce and social media – has moved far beyond trend status. Platforms like Instagram, TikTok, and Pinterest have evolved into fully functional marketplaces, where users discover, engage with, and purchase products without ever leaving the app. This blog post summarizes key insights from Sebastian Arend’s research, conducted at the …
The world of e-commerce is evolving faster than ever. Driven by emerging technologies, changing consumer expectations, and global disruptions, retailers are under constant pressure to innovate. At Shoptalk 2025, one of the industry’s leading conferences on commerce and digital transformation, experts came together to discuss what’s next for online retail. Here are the top five …
After two consecutive years of declining revenue, the German e-commerce sector has finally turned a corner in 2024. According to the German E-Commerce and Distance Selling Trade Association (bevh), online retail sales of goods rose by 1.1% year-over-year, reaching a total of €80.6 billion. This modest but significant upswing signals a renewed momentum in the …
Social commerce is more than just a trend – it’s fundamentally changing the way we shop. With the launch of the TikTok Shop in Germany, this topic has gained even more urgency. The ZDF WISO program explored this development and invited me to share insights on the opportunities and risks of this new form of …
Social Commerce is more than just a trend—it’s a revolution in e-commerce. While many businesses still underestimate the potential of social media for direct sales, the Otto Group is strategically embracing Social Commerce. In an interview with ONEtoONE, the company explains why this approach is crucial for the future of retail and how they are …
This blog post is based on the article “Social Commerce Revolutionizes Electronic Commerce” by Victoria Frings and Prof. Dr. Richard C. Geibel, published in the proceedings of the 3rd International Scientific-Practical Conference (ISPC 2023). The article explores how social commerce – the integration of social media and e-commerce – is revolutionizing online retail. With a …
The e-commerce market has experienced impressive growth in recent years, but market saturation presents new challenges for businesses. At the same time, consumers are increasingly seeking interactive, personalized shopping experiences. Social commerce, the use of social media to sell products and services, offers a promising solution. In this article, we explore the roles of Instagram …
Whether it’s social selling or social commerce, combining social platforms with sales has been proven to boost revenues, as studies confirm. Leveraging social networks as sales and lead channels has become the gold standard in sales. Statista data highlights the growing importance of selling products directly or indirectly via social media platforms, unlocking significant revenue …
A recent study by the Research Center for Retail Management at the University of St. Gallen, conducted by Thomas Rudolph, Nora Kralle, Tim-Florian Gerlach, and Ewald Bierbaum, provides fascinating insights into internet usage in Switzerland and reveals the most popular online retailers of 2024. Particularly noteworthy: Chinese platforms like Temu and Shein are gaining significant …
“What made us successful in the past will make us successful in the future.” With these words, Co-CEO Robert Gentz introduced Zalando’s new business strategy. Alongside its 2023 financial results, the company unveiled ambitious plans for 2024, guided by the motto “Double Down.” The goal is to build on past successes while focusing sharply on …
We’re excited to announce that the official video from the International Scientific Practical Conference (ISPC) 2024 is now available! This year’s conference focused on the future of e-commerce, digital management, and digital health. The ISPC brought together top experts and practitioners from these fields to discuss innovative approaches and emerging trends. Video Highlights: The video …